LEUPROLIDE - INJECTION (Lupron) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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LEUPROLIDE-INJECTION Index

leuprolide - injection, Lupron

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GENERIC NAME: LEUPROLIDE - INJECTION (LEW-pro-lide)

BRAND NAME(S): Lupron

USES: Leuprolide is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men. It is not a cure. Most types of prostate cancer need the male hormone testosterone to grow and spread. Leuprolide works by reducing the amount of testosterone that the body makes. This helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells and helps relieve symptoms such as painful/difficult urination. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment.Leuprolide is also used to stop early puberty (precocious puberty) in children. It helps to delay sexual development (e.g., growth of the breasts/testicles) and the start of menstrual periods. It also helps slow down the rate of early bone growth so that the chances for reaching normal adult height are increased. Leuprolide works by decreasing the amount of sex hormones that a child's body makes (estrogen in girls, testosterone in boys).OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.Other leuprolide products may also be used to treat disorders of the uterus (e.g., endometriosis, fibroids). In females, leuprolide reduces the amount of estrogen that the body makes.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneously), usually once a day or as directed by your doctor.In children, the dosage is based on weight and response to therapy. The doctor should consider stopping treatment before age 11 for girls and age 12 for boys. Consult the doctor for details.If you are directed to inject this medication yourself, learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Change the location of the injection site each time to avoid problem areas under the skin.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.